Orthodox bishops in Benelux condemn attack on Jordanian church, discuss Christian persecution

Assistant Bishop Marc of Neamț, of the Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Western Europe, attended the 33rd meeting of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of Benelux, held on Wednesday in Brussels, Belgium.

The hierarch attended as the representative of Metropolitan Iosif of Western and Southern Europe.

Other participants included Metropolitan Isaak (Patriarchate of Antioch), Bishop Simeon of Domodedovo (Archdiocese of Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe – Moscow Patriarchate), Bishop Dositheus (Patriarchate of Georgia) and Assistant Bishop Joachim of Apollonia, representing Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium (Ecumenical Patriarchate).

Topics included the situation of Christians in the Middle East and the persecution they face, as well as pastoral and missionary cooperation among Orthodox Churches in the region.

Solidarity with Christians in the Middle East During the meeting, the bishops condemned the attack on an Orthodox church in Jordan and drew attention to the persecution and difficulties facing Christian communities in Lebanon, Syria and other regions.

Another agenda item was the work of Orthodox theological educational institutions…